Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s decision to visit Cambodia this week is a measure of the solid relationship between the two countries. It is the first time that a newly elected Thai leader has chosen Cambodia for his first foreign trip, attendance at the UN General Assembly notwithstanding.
The one-day visit, which came less than a month after assuming prime ministerial duties, was aimed at strengthening bilateral relations in all respects, including trade, investment, border area management and development, and the new economy.
Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke described Srettha’s trip as the beginning of “a new era” in the relationship between the two countries, which share an 817km border. Their relationship has gone through many ups and downs, though, due to boundary disputes and overlapping claims.
Their friendship has, however, been closer for the past several years and the personal rapport between the countries’ leaders has been amicable. Both sides have elevated their ties to a strategic partnership, according to Chai.
In addition, as newly elected leaders, Srettha and Hun Manet had an opportunity to become acquainted. The Thai leader did not attend the recent ASEAN-related summits in Jakarta in early September. Hun Manet’s father, former Prime Minister Hun Sen, is a close friend of Thaksin Shinawatra, who used to serve as his advisor. Thaksin remains an influential figure behind Pheu Thai Party.
Srettha’s visit came at a crucial time, as the two countries are facing new challenges. Of late, both have suffered from scam call centres, which have claimed victims on both sides of the border. Thai and Cambodian cybersecurity officials will now work closely together to combat the proliferation of these scam centres.
Furthermore, Thailand and Cambodia also wish to conclude a delayed joint development agreement covering overlapping claims over areas in the Gulf of Thailand, which is rich with natural resources, especially oil and gas. Over the past two decades, both countries have been trying to negotiate over the disputed areas, but with no success so far. Unfavourable domestic conditions in both countries have delayed progress in these joint endeavours.
Today, Thailand and Cambodia work closely, both bilaterally and through ASEAN, to help resolve Myanmar’s crisis, as well as improve cooperation in sub-regional areas including the Mekong development plans under various frameworks.
During the visit, both leaders agreed to push for an increased volume of bilateral trade, to US$10.5 billion in 2025. To facilitate border trade, a new bridge linking Ban Nong Ian in Sa Kaeo with Ban Stung Bot in Oddar Meanchey has been built.
To promote tourism in Cambodia, Srettha urged his counterpart to allow temporary border passes for Thais to visit the country. During the first quarter of this year, nearly half a million Thai tourists visited Cambodia.
Before he left Phnom Penh yesterday (Thursday), Srettha also handed over a Transit and Reception Centre for Victims of Trafficking and Other Vulnerable Groups in the border town of Poipet in Banteay Meanchey. The centre will provide temporary shelter, food, healthcare, education and vocational training for vulnerable groups.
Read : New centre symbolizes Thai-Cambodian efforts against human trafficking
Last year, bilateral trade reached US$9.8 billion. Thailand’s investment ranked ninth, amounting to US$10.1 billion. Furthermore, people-to-people exchanges have increased significantly.
Last year, Thai tourists topped the ranking, with a total of 850,000 people visiting Cambodia. Currently, there are 7,000 Thai residents living in various provinces of Cambodia, especially Koh Kong, the border town close to Chanthaburi.
519,722 registered Cambodian workers are currently in Thailand, under the labour agreement between the two countries.
Kavi Chongkittavorn
